Veteran sports-talk personality Mickey Ryan to lead National Bison Club, athletics advancement
Rhonda Minton | Office of Advancement |
![Mickey Ryan](/sites/default/files/images-news-articles/2024-08/Ryan_900.jpg)
Longtime sports-talk radio personality Mickey Ryan has been named executive director of advancement for athletics and director of the National Bison Club at Lipscomb University. Ryan began his role on Aug. 12 after serving 10 years as a radio host for 104.5 The Zone Radio in Nashville.
Prior to joining The Zone broadcast team, Ryan served as associate athletics director for external relations at Arkansas State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in communications from Arkansas State University. Ryan has extensive experience in radio and television in Nashville; Hollywood, California; Jonesboro, Arkansas; and Bowling Green, Kentucky.
In his new role at Lipscomb, Ryan plays a vital role in supporting the growth of the university’s fundraising efforts for its NCAA-D1 athletic program and student athletes. He is also focused on overseeing and leading the National Bison Club.
“The addition of Mickey Ryan to the Lipscomb community is an exciting step that reflects our commitment to providing the best possible resources, facilities and opportunities for our student athletes,” said Keith Hinkle, senior vice president of advancement. “Our athletics department, its coaches and student athletes work tirelessly to represent Lipscomb, and with Mickey on board, we aim to better align the resources with the excellence represented in our D1 teams.”
Ryan said he is excited about the opportunity to positively shape the lives and futures of students while also furthering the university’s mission.
“I am beyond excited to join the team at Lipscomb University. It is a special place with special people, and I feel so fortunate to be here,” Ryan said. “I could just feel the positive energy here as soon as I walked on campus. “ Ryan said he believes the involvement of the Bisons’ fanbase leads to the success of student athletes.
“I've seen what the power of a strong athletics program can do to both shed positive light on a university and help build its reputation nationally and internationally,” he said. “A strong and flourishing National Bison Club will give our student athletes, coaches and staff all the tools they need to thrive in the present and future. An athletic program can soar to the greatest heights with great support. I truly hope our alumni, fans, friends and supporters will rally behind our Bisons like never before in the current and ever-changing world of college athletics.”
Lipscomb Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson described Ryan’s addition as a “perfect fit” for the university and the athletics program.
“Mickey’s shared values with the mission of Lipscomb, his network throughout the middle Tennessee and sporting communities, his ability to easily connect with others and his appreciation for the benefits of an athletics program that excels at the highest levels of DI competition with a higher calling at its heart makes him a perfect fit for Lipscomb University and Lipscomb Athletics,” he said. “I’m thrilled to have a pro like him on our team, and I’m looking forward to his working with us to elevate our programs and university.”
Ryan and his wife, Christina, live in Brentwood and have two children, daughter, Audrey, and son, Chris.
Learn more about Lipscomb University Athletics at lipscombsports.com.